When it comes to hosting a dinner party, organizing a family reunion, or simply wanting to simplify your weekly meal prep, make ahead recipes can be a game-changer. These dishes not only save you time on the day of your event or meal time but also allow the flavors to develop, often making the food taste even better. In this post, we'll explore five prize-winning make ahead recipes that are easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. From savory stews to delightful desserts, these recipes have won hearts and accolades at various cooking competitions, and now they can elevate your cooking game too.
Lasagna Rolls
The classic comfort food, lasagna, gets a fun and innovative twist with these lasagna rolls. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also cater to individual servings, making them perfect for guests who might want a lighter portion. Here’s how you can prepare this dish in advance:
- Prepare the filling: Combine cooked and seasoned ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, egg, parsley, and spices in a large bowl. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the rolls: Lay out lasagna noodles, spread the filling evenly over each noodle, and roll them up.
- Baking preparation: Place the rolls in a baking dish with marinara sauce, sprinkle with extra cheese, and cover with foil.
Note: Lasagna rolls can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake them from fridge temperature when ready, which might add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
📌 Note: To keep the rolls intact, make sure not to overfill the lasagna noodles. The sauce can help hold them together when baking.
Chicken and Vegetable Casserole
Casseroles are a perfect embodiment of make ahead meals because they not only get better with time but also reheat wonderfully. This chicken and vegetable casserole is no exception:
- Ingredients: Chicken, mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peas), cream of chicken soup, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation: Cook the chicken, mix all ingredients, place in a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs or cheese.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to three days before baking or freeze for longer storage.
Chocolate Ganache Tart
Desserts like this chocolate ganache tart are not only decadent but also incredibly easy to make ahead. Here’s what you need to do:
- Crust: Blind bake a shortbread or graham cracker crust.
- Filling: Heat cream, pour over dark or milk chocolate, whisk until smooth, and pour into the cooled crust.
- Refrigeration: Allow the tart to set in the refrigerator overnight or up to three days.
Note: The ganache will need time to set, so this is the perfect dessert to make a day or two before your event.
Hearty Bean and Sausage Stew
For those cooler days or when you’re looking for something substantial, this bean and sausage stew is the ultimate make ahead meal:
- Preparation: Soak dried beans overnight or use canned beans. Brown sausages, sauté onions, garlic, and add herbs.
- Cooking: Simmer everything in stock for an hour, then allow to cool and refrigerate.
- Storage: Can be made up to three days ahead or frozen for up to two months.
📌 Note: This stew often tastes better after a day or two when the flavors have had time to meld together.
Lemon Berry Trifle
Trifles are both beautiful and practical for make ahead desserts. Here’s how to prepare this lemon berry trifle:
- Layers: Start with a layer of lemon or vanilla cake or sponge, followed by berries, then lemon curd or vanilla custard, and repeat.
- Advance Preparation: Assemble the day before, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge. The flavors will meld, and the cake will absorb the custard, creating a delightful texture.
- Presentation: Allow to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for best results.
These prize-winning make ahead recipes not only simplify your preparation process but also enhance the overall dining experience. Each recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure flavors develop over time, providing rich, complex tastes that can't be achieved with last-minute cooking. By choosing make ahead meals, you're not just saving time; you're investing in a richer, more flavorful meal that your guests or family are sure to appreciate.
As we've explored these recipes, remember that the beauty of make ahead meals lies in their ability to reduce stress while ensuring a delicious outcome. Whether it's the intricate lasagna rolls, the comforting casserole, the luxurious chocolate tart, the hearty stew, or the elegant trifle, each dish promises a burst of flavor, convenience, and a touch of culinary artistry. With a bit of planning, your culinary endeavors can become less about time in the kitchen and more about enjoying the company around the table.
How long can these make ahead dishes be refrigerated?
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Most of these dishes can be safely refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are stored in airtight containers or well-covered to preserve freshness.
Can I freeze these recipes?
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Yes, many of these dishes, like the stew and casserole, can be frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, let the dish cool completely, use freezer-safe containers, and label with the date.
What’s the best way to reheat make ahead meals?
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For most casseroles and stews, reheating in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes works well. For dishes like the trifle, simply let it come to room temperature or give a quick microwave to the custard layers if you prefer it warm.
